ASME IGTI Scholar Award Lecture:
Turbomachinery Simulation Impact on Design, Understanding, and Optimization
Monday, June 16, 2025 | 5:45pm – 7:00pm
Dr. Mark Turner
Senior Technologist
NASA Glenn Research Center
Abstract: This paper presents the impact of Turbomachinery Simulation from simple analytical simulation to high fidelity CFD and Finite Element Analysis on the design of turbomachinery and the understanding of flow physics that is then used to improve design approaches. The impact of Optimization is also presented. The best approach for the tool development is to work with a compressor, fan, or turbine designer or to work on the design process directly. The paper represents the work and impact of the author over his 45-year career and provides insight for both new and experienced engineers. The paper explores applications of distortion from a downstream fan frame, the first uses of 3D CFD for fan, compressor and turbine design, heat transfer, biomimicry, and approaches to optimization for performance and structures.
The positive impact in performance due to turbomachinery simulation has led to much improved turbomachinery efficiencies and reduced fuel burn of engines and aircraft. This benefit has been due to the direct interaction with the designers, so the simulations impact the design and product. The added impact of multi-disciplinary simulations has also had impact on greater life, less weight, and reduced noise. Future direction for simulations are also presented.
Biography: Dr. Turner's background is in industry, academia, and the US Federal Government. From 1979-2000, Mark worked for GE Aerospace in both Cincinnati, OH, and Lynn, MA. From 2000-2001, Dr. Turner worked for a small company in Cleveland, AP Solutions. He was a Professor and Associate Department Chair in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Cincinnati, where Mark was from 2001-2020. For the past four years, Mark has been at NASA.
Most of the work that Mark has done has been related to simulation of turbomachinery with emphasis on design and understanding which is the subject of his scholar paper. Mark Turner has published 27 journal articles, 50 peer reviewed conference papers, 6 technical reports, and 52 non-refereed conference papers. In addition, he has given 22 invited presentations. He has advised and graduated 7 PhD students, 20 Master’s students, hired 42 undergraduate coop students, and advised 25 students with Undergraduate Research. In addition, he has taught 62 separate classes at the University of Cincinnati. At NASA, Mark has guided 5 interns.
Mark is a Fellow of ASME, is active in the Gas Turbine Segment, was the Conference Chair for Turbo Expo in 2017, and has received five best paper awards. He is an Associate Fellow in AIAA. Mark has three patents. Outside of his professional work, Mark is interested in education. In 2003 he received the Building Excellence Award of Service from Cincinnati Public Schools for volunteer work on passing the $480-million bond issue to be used for the $985-million renovation and rebuilding of all the schools in Cincinnati Public Schools.
Dr. Mark G. Turner received his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech in 1979, his MS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 1986, and his Doctor of Science (ScD) in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT in 1990.
Dr. Mark Turner keeps an electric boat on the Ohio River, is married and has two grown sons.